remembering

While doing more wallpapering I was remembering so many things. The spare room was once called the office and where I would do my college study. That same season my first exchange student came. With the second one, we painted the room and she helped to create some wonderful floral work on the walls that stayed for 16 years.

It was time for change. Time for new.

Belen – Segovia, Spain – Student #3

I think of the words in Philippians 3 – it talks about forgetting what is past but I know I will not forget it all, not when I remember how it has made me more in His image.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:12-14

Often we are afraid of change. I definitely had some fear in having kids in my house and life when I’ve never raised my own. But God…. He had given me some warning and definitely a lot of grace as I learned how to be a friend to someone from another culture and a pseudo parent. Four short term students later and I was heading to Haiti where I was the foreigner …. memories.

God did not create us to just be satisfied with how things are or always desiring to go back to the way they were, He has called us to follow Him which seldom comes with the best road map. Do you think the Israelite’s could have wandered less years?

Memories – of learning flexibility, acceptance of different ideals, communicating simply and honoring how others feel or believe. So much more…

Thank you God that you use everything in our lives to teach us Your better ways. Guide us today to remember and yet to press on toward all that you have called us to!

crossing the line

The Disciple – oil/cwm 16×20

In the midst of a busy season also brings what will be my biggest exhibition so far. Others may not realize it, but it’s intimidating and exhilarating at the same time.

Usually at the gallery I have 8-15 paintings. This will be close to 25 and include writings. I was also asked to speak which doesn’t seem as threatening as showing these more personal creations.

As I was asking the Lord what I might need to share in writing, a very strong message came.

“We all have a chicken line to cross.”

I laughed! God definitely has a sense of humor! I thought of this painting right away. The GOLD is waiting if we dare to take a step!

Ask the Lord today what line you need to cross.
It might be to see yourself as one who is already equipped and prepared.
It might be to know that God really does have good plans for your life.
Maybe it’s something that seems difficult like a phone call to an organization or company.
I pray that the kingdom courage you already have will rise up to meet you as you dare to step forward!

It’s not always a matter of success or great revelations, but often a matter of obedience to go where you are sensing God needs you to be. Momentum only comes from allowing movement. He can’t move with us unless we’re stepping out!

Some of my chicken lines this year.
Becoming a chaplain and not knowing where He wants that used.
Stepping down from leading our gallery management team.
Reseeding my lawn and hoisting 40 lb bags of dirt.
(At my age – wood chips are easier.)

dream a little

Still In Process – Oil and cold wax medium
18x24x2 (that means it’s not finished)

I think I’m supposed to stay on this topic a bit and ask a few questions. Hopefully you will take some time to ponder. Most people understand the Bucket List idea and things they want to do before they leave this earth. Often those are things for personal gratification (not saying that’s bad – I have a spa day on my list!), but there’s also a lot of people young and older that are wondering….

What is my life purpose?
What will I do with kids grown?
How can I change my career?
Can I make a difference?

I strongly feel God designed each of us with great purpose. Things that would touch our hearts and also bless others. I’ve read many great books on the topic but here I’m sharing the dreaming with God process. God had me write and lead a couple classes on this years ago so it’s interesting He’s having me revisit it here.

At the beginning of my journey with Christ – I did not understand about hearing Gods voice. But now that I do, I definitely see things much differently. One of the very potent words He shared with me:

“Your heart has a passion that has been neglected.
Let it come again. Let it be breathed with life again.”

One of my passions while I was young was to create art. The responsible and better paying way of life was business college and doing accounting things. Later in life that led to a bachelors in business management and ministry leadership. Neither of those were in my young dreams but God brought NEW dreams to life along the way. REMEMBER: IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!

The dreams of art were buried in a deep closet. Forgotten in the logical fog of numbers and spreadsheets. UNTIL – I had finished college and missed taking classes. Several things led me to an art class. You might say and the rest is history but it was only the beginning!

Today I pray that you will take some time to dig in your closet for that passion that never had a chance before. That you would see what step you could take to let it be breathed back to life. That God would give you the courage and the opportunity to dust it off and try it on again. Pro sports might not be good at age 60 but I’m sure He can show you more! Have a beautiful day!

denial to disciple

Several new paintings are waiting for final touches.  As this rooster sat on the wall staring at me, so many thoughts of Simon/Peter’s story came to mind. After finishing touches as I was doing more of the engraving, the words “chicken scratch” came very strong.

The original painting was a realistic rooster that never felt finished. I was going to totally cover it up then thought to leave some realism in with the abstract.

As I thought of Simon/Peter, the first engravings in one layer of paint were, “denial – one – two – three”.

Jesus wasn’t surprised by that denial. He even told Simon/Peter it would happen.

I looked up the name Simon – in Greek it means flat or snub nosed. I think we can say he “snubbed” Jesus and as said – before the rooster crowed.

I also found great hope in this painting and the Simon (Peter) story. You could say Simon didn’t know how the denial would turn out but Jesus told him quite clearly when he spoke the name he would be known by…

Matthew 16:15-19 NIV
¹⁵ …Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades  will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

There was a depth to their relationship. Jesus was calling out the GOLD in Simon – that he would be Cephas (Peter), the rock!

Denial was in his history. The chicken scratch of past – not the ROCK of his future!

Your life has a message from Jesus too! We need to be like Peter and willing to hear it from the Lord as He calls us to our future. The world needs what we are carrying! We were made for such a time as this!

I pray that this week, you will hear the call of God to be ALL that He created you to be. That you would have courage to step forward to ALL that He has in store for you! Thank you Jesus for this gift of life on earth – as it is in heaven!

 

 

into the new

New Movement

After not blogging for 18 months, where does one start again? My life has shifted tremendously to working full-time outside of my house.

2017 included a lot of gallery time and creating in a group project for ArtPrize. Five artists worked on a piece we did in honor of The Red Cross. You will find plenty of photos and info on the Zeeland Artists facebook page.

It was a very unique season to shift from the ministry of counsel to helping with a couple people with Alzheimer’s. They both recently passed into the freedom with God in heaven. God moved in many amazing ways in both of their journeys.

Writing has been much more of personal journal time and I have been creating a variety of new paintings. Expanding my encaustic (hot wax and oil) and emerging myself in coldwax medium that is mixed with oils. I’ll be sharing a bit from all of those areas.

I look forward to how God will bring new life, new words, new art in this season of NEW THINGS – in my life and in yours!

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Peace to you all – jude

vision source

New Discovery

Last weeks ministry conference brought many great points to ponder. I’ll share a few areas I look forward to digging deeper on.

The story of Cornelius and Peter’s “confusing” call to go to him. Peter finds revelation from his “vision” and “stepping” in obedience.

Was going to Cornelius safe for Peter?
Was it comfortable?
His vision of animals and to kill and eat – how does that translate to all “people” being acceptable to God?

God’s ways are seldom our normal ways! 

Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.”
Acts 10:34-36

Peter was trying to limit God with his reaction to the vision. Yes a great follower but still being shown more. He dared to step out in what was uncomfortable.

Thank you God that we have such examples of faith in action. Not just faith in traditions and understanding, but faith that what You share is even more important. Let us not discount what You are revealing to us each day. 

plans expand

My plan for January was to do several small paintings. Trying new color mixes, some layering ideas and in reality – trying to discover what seems covered.

Even though I’ve been painting for years, I feel there is something more I am supposed to bring to the canvas (and to my writing.) I don’t “feel” like I have yet found it, so I continue to ask, seek and knock…

I did several small 5×7 and a couple 12×12 pieces in January. Monday I started a 16×40 piece that does stretch me. I’ve taken photos along the way to later create a moving progress “video” which will stretch me even more. This is a small section where I used some different techniques.

I ponder again… How often are we thinking small when God wants us to think big? Limiting our ideas, creativity and ability. Settling for what is safe, known, reasonable instead of stepping out on the water. Saying we are “only human” when in reality – with Christ in us…we are “MORE than human”. 

I pray you will let this year be one of dreaming again. Of discovering the more God has really designed you for. You are needed and given great gifts by our heavenly Father that the world is waiting for. No matter what limitations you might feel are in your life – there is more to your story. 

Even greater things will you do – John 14:12
With God – nothing is impossible!

 

once again

Long, long ago I painted this scene large and vibrant. I ran across my photo reference and felt to create a little 5×7 of it. Such a peaceful place from a color tour in New Hampshire – Virginia area.

We all need peaceful places. A place to refocus on what is truly important. I find that through prayer, reading or listening to the word or worship, painting, or working in the garden. Sometimes even cleaning house! Often just in silence to say, “Speak Lord, I’m listening.” He is definitely a great encourager!

A few years ago I engaged in a negativity fast. It can be a difficult thing, especially since bad news sells and gossip is the general “Hi how you doing? Did you hear about so and so?” kind of conversations. A great verse to keep me in line was…

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I do have bad days but I don’t hang on to the stress or repeat the negative parts to multiple people anymore. It is really liberating to live from that place of peace. Many things still do bother me and I occasionally need to release to someone, but I remember it takes 13 positives to overcome a negative, so I make sure I find the good AND keep it in front of me! I’m sticking to true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!

Thank you Lord that there are always great things to the day! Thank you for the freshness of the snow cover. For time to paint, write, pray and dig into your Word. Guide us all in the paths of peace that we would know Your ways and walk in them Jesus. Amen

life to the full

Free to Soar

Much of my life right now is around “retired” people. Their focus is helping the aging, being the aging, time with kids and grand kids, extra travel, hobbies and relaxing.

What does “retirement” mean to you?
Do you think of it as “life to the full”?

We spend LIFE working to save for retirement.
Investing to save for retirement.
Exercising to be fit for retirement.
Dreaming about when we reach retirement.
Hoping we make it to retirement.

Many don’t make it that far, others are forced out of work early, health issues keep some home bound and the dreams and ideas for those “later years” don’t always happen.

The words of John are potent and this is a powerful verse in a great variety of ways.

The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. John 10:10 TLB

Are we under the rule of the thief OR the King of Kings?
Do we really understand the “fullness” of God’s “purpose” here?

Maybe it’s time to take back what the enemy has been stealing.

Dear God – HELP! Help us to see the fullness You desire for our lives, no matter our age, health or other perceived limitations. Help us to step up and step out to bring Your fullness to others. Give us the wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Your ways so we can truly do what we were created for. Bring boldness, courage and strength to Your body Lord that we would stand in unity and see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living…

above the waves

on the easel

I heard someone over Christmas say, “Oops, I forgot, I’m not going to speak negative, that was negative.”

I think she is is her 80’s and still decided there was a change she felt would be worth it for her life! Keeping up with news, friends, and family – is not always encouraging. Many of the topics most will discuss are the negative ones. She had also commented about getting the paper again. I suggested if she wanted to stay positive – skip the newspaper! :0)

One thing is for sure – the good news of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven is definitely something to uplift us!!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:1-3, 10

The waves will come – it’s part of any great beach scene… but be sure to look up and see what God wants to show you for this coming year. I’ll be taking some time to paint, pray and ponder…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Have a wonderful celebration of the NEW! Thank you for joining me on this journey. Praying God’s bountiful blessings to you and yours!